Chocó M7.4 Earthquake: Situation Report - September 30, 2026
51 days after the August 10 earthquake, official figures remain at 326 deaths, 4600 injured, and 234 missing. Seismic activity continues to decline with 1 aftershock in the last 24 hours.
General Situation
51 days have passed since the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the Chocó department on August 10, 2026. Official casualty figures remain stable: 326 people deceased, 4600 injured, and 234 missing. The magnitude of the humanitarian impact continues to affect approximately 185500 people in the region.
Infrastructure Damage
Consolidated data shows that 10677 homes were destroyed and 65841 homes were damaged by the main shock and its aftershocks. Additionally, 127 buildings collapsed during the seismic event, significantly affecting urban and rural infrastructure in the impacted zones.
Recent Seismic Activity
Aftershock activity continues to gradually decline. In the last 24 hours, 1 aftershock was recorded, with a maximum magnitude of 4.5. This event occurred on September 29 at 21:50 UTC, located 15 km southwest of San Antonio, Colombia, according to data from the United States Geological Survey.
The downward trend in the frequency and intensity of aftershocks is consistent with the expected pattern of seismic decay following a major event. However, geological authorities continue to monitor the zone and remind the population that aftershocks may continue for months.
Humanitarian Response
Humanitarian assistance operations continue in the affected areas, coordinated by the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management and organizations such as the Colombian Red Cross. Efforts focus on providing temporary shelter, medical care, and psychosocial support for displaced communities.
The United Nations in Colombia and the World Food Programme maintain their presence on the ground, coordinating the distribution of food aid and essential supplies.
Search for Missing Persons
Efforts to locate the 234 people still missing continue. Families can report cases and search for information through platforms such as Colombia Te Busca and Desaparecidos.co.
Reconstruction
National and local authorities are working on long-term reconstruction plans. The Ministry of Finance has implemented special measures to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid and construction materials, as detailed in official documents.
The recovery phase requires sustained effort from multiple sectors to restore critical infrastructure and support the safe return of displaced communities to their homes or to new permanent settlements.
Additional Information
For more information about the main event, consult the USGS executive report. Updates continue to be available through national media and the Presidency of the Republic.
